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8D Mykonos & Island Cruising
Greece, Turkey
OVERVIEW
A cruise in the Greek islands is pretty much the ideal holiday for anyone who longs for  sun, sand and shopping. If culture is also your thing, then there's plenty of that to be found, considering the thousands of years of Greek history! Your free time really is your own here as you sail between Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Patmos and a quick stop in Turkey at Kusadasi. Beautiful hilltop villages, relaxing days spent on a beach or the ship deck, and stunning sunsets. You can't help wishing everyday was like this!
Tour Highlights These highlights are included in the price of your tour.
- Athens
- Visit the famous Plaka area
- Mykonos
- Feature Hotel: Mykonos Beach Resort
- Feature Hotel: Mykonos Beach Resort
- Visit Mykonos town & see the traditional Cycladic-style houses
- See the famous windmills
- Kusadasi
- Patmos
- See the Monastery of St. John
- Santorini
- Visit the main town of Fira
- See the spectacular volcanic islands surrounding Santorini
Daily Itinerary
 Day 1 Arrive Athens (Hotel)
Check-in to your hotel and spend the afternoon getting a sneak peek at Athens, Europe’s oldest city. It’s crammed with myth and ancient wonders, and busy with modern, urban soul. This evening meet your Cruise Representative and fellow Contiki travellers. Start your tour off with a night to remember and get to know your group at an optional dinner in the rustic district of Plaka. Perched on the shady slopes beneath the Acropolis, Plaka is full of traditional tavernas that spill out onto the pavements. Later, head out to Athens’ up-and-coming district of Psiri, buzzing with trendy bars and clubs.
Day 2 Athens to Mykonos (Feature Hotel)
Today, board a typical Greek ferry to Mykonos and take advantage of the amazing views across the Aegean and of the rocky islands with your camera as you make your way to the beautiful whitewashed vistas of cosmopolitan Mykonos. (B,D)
Day 3 & 4 Mykonos (Hotel)
Mykonos is famous for its blissful beaches and party culture. No matter what you’re after, chances are this island has got it! You’ll soon understand why this happening hub draws people from all walks of life, from jet-setters to backpackers. In your free time, head into Mykonos town and wander through the maze of tiny streets lined by whitewashed, cube-shaped houses. Maybe grab a table in the village and snack on fresh local specialties, like olives, feta and tzatziki dip. For a laid back afternoon, be sure to check out world-famous Paradise Beach on an optional excursion. Get some friends together, chill out to the tunes pumping at the beachfront resorts, swim and relax. Wrap up the day in Little Venice and watch the sun set over the Aegean. But don’t stop there – get into the vibe and party at one of Mykonos’ many bars and hip clubs.(B)(B)
Day 5 Mykonos to Turkey (Cruise ship)
After another day of soaking up the sun, board our cruise ship bound for Turkey and the Dodecanese. Settle in to your cabin and watch the sun set over the Aegean. Later, kick off the cruise with your new friends in the ship’s nightclub.(B,D,S)
Day 6 Cruising to Patmos via Kusadasi (Cruise ship)
In the morning, wake up to the Turkish port town of Kusadasi. Rummage through the Grand Bazaar and go local bargaining for leather goods, jewellery or local crafts. Otherwise hook up with the group and our Local Guide for an optional excursion to ancient Ephesus, a stunningly preserved city that Mark Antony and Cleopatra once visited. Our next port of call is Patmos, with its sacred spots and wild countryside. Get the background from your Rep on why this island attracts both pilgrims and holiday makers. Explore the monasteries, traditional settlements and country churches. Get into the spirit of the island with an optional excursion that takes you to Patmos’ UNESCO World Heritage sites: the 11th century Monastery of the Apocalypse and to the Grotto of St. John – the hilltop cave where John the Apostle lived for many years.(B,L,D,S)
Day 7 Cruising to Santorini (Cruise ship)
Next up: the quintessential Greek Island, Santorini. This island will make your jaw drop with its stunning natural beauty – the result of a massive volcanic eruption. From the water, look up at the iconic blue–domed, whitewashed churches. Once we’re back on land, head up the cliff and the twisting stone steps, or take it easy in the cable car for views of neighbouring volcanic islands. Your Rep will fill you in on Fira – dramatically perched on the edge of the crater - as the group explores its narrow streets. Get tips on the best places to pick up a piece of Santorini’s famous jewellery, or just wander the cute cobbled lanes & pick up some souvenirs. Try out the delicious local specialty, domatoktedes (fried tomato balls), some tasty saganaki (delicious fried cheese) & maybe some ouzo. Otherwise you could jump on an optional coach ride & head to one of the distinctive black or red sand beaches, and soak up the breathtaking scenery & the sunshine! You could take an optional boat ride out to the active volcanic island of Nea Kamini & cruise past lava formations to get up close to the active crater. *Please note:* Tours departing in September & October 2011 will stop in Crete before cruising onto Santorini. Please call our reservations team if you have any questions.(B,L,D,S)
Day 8 Arrival into Athens
After breakfast and a farewell to our hosts, we disembark in the Piraeus and head to Syntagma Square. Set right in the heart of Athens and home to Greece’s parliament, this is where our tour ends. For those who are keen to learn more, there’s a chance to step back in time to the birthplace of democracy. Get the run down on the Parthenon and the Acropolis from our Local Guide, as you wander around the famous columns perched above the city sprawl.(B)
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